Repeat Felon Sentenced To Federal Prison For Gun With Obliterated Serial Number

BECKLEY, W.Va. –  A convicted felon who possessed a gun with an obliterated serial number in July of 2013 was sentenced today to two years and six months in federal prison, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Benjamin Payne, 47, of Clear Creek, West Virginia, previously pleaded guilty in September of 2013 and admitted to possessing and storing a loaded revolver with an obliterated serial number in his car.  Payne admitted he had acquired the firearm several weeks prior to his arrest.  Payne had multiple prior convictions for burglary.

Homeland Security Investigations handled the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Blaire L. Malkin handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.